View full sizeFormer Medina schools Supt. Randy Stepp is being sued for $1 million by the district's board of education.Plain Dealer file photo

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Medina school board this week filed an updated counterclaim lawsuit against its former superintendent, Randy Stepp, seeking damages in excess of $1 million.

The revised court document demands that the school board receive compensation for damages of nearly $260,000, and that Stepp be forced to pay more than $1 million as punishment for failing to deal with the board in good faith.

The counterclaim came in the wake of Stepp’s firing, and a state audit that determined he had racked up improper expenses of $4,121 for flowers, candy and candles, gift cards and a seat upgrade on a flight to China, for which he must reimburse the schools.

The state auditor continues to investigate a $172,000 payment made to Stepp without board approval for his old college loans.

The board placed Stepp on paid leave in April, and rescinded his new contact. Stepp sued the board and district officials in May in U.S. District Court, charging them with breach of contract, defamation and invasion of privacy.

Stepp is seeking the full value of his five-year, $1.2 million contract, plus money for damages to his reputation, mental anguish and suffering.

All of the board members who voted to award Stepp the new contract have either resigned or decided not to run for reelection.

Follow Us

cleveland.com is powered by Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and Northeast Ohio Media Group. All rights reserved (About Us).The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Northeast Ohio Media Group LLC.